"Arsenal is known and loved throughout the world for its style of play, its commitment to young players, the fantastic stadium, the way the club is run. I'm very excited to be given the responsibility to start this important new chapter in Arsenal's history.

"I have met Stan and Josh Kroenke and it's clear they have great ambitions for the club and are committed to bringing future success. I'm excited about what we can do together and I look forward to giving everyone who loves Arsenal some special moments and memories."

Unai Emery poses at the Emirates with Arsenal's new home shirt for 2018/19

Former Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta was believed to be a front-runner for the job, but Sky Sports News understands he withdrew from the running due to concerns over the extent of the role he would have in the club's transfer policy.

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis said the club conducted a "rigorous" recruitment process, with Emery emerging as the unanimous choice.

"Unai has an outstanding track record of success throughout his career, has developed some of the best young talent in Europe and plays an exciting, progressive style of football that fits Arsenal perfectly", said Gazidis.

Emery experienced considerable success in Europe during his time at Sevilla, winning three successive Europa Leagues between 2014 and 2016

"His hard-working and passionate approach and his sense of values on and off the pitch make him the ideal person to take us forward.

"We conducted a confidential, wide-ranging and rigorous search involving extensive background references, data and video analysis, and personal meetings with all the candidates we shortlisted.

"All were interested in the position and we were unanimous in our choice of Unai to drive the next chapter of our history."

Gazidis said every candidate they interviewed to replace Arsene Wenger was 'interested in the position'

Arsenal's majority shareholder Stan Kroenke described Emery as a "proven winner", adding: "Several things stood out during his interview and the entire process; his football knowledge, energy, determination and love of the game.

"His familiarity with our club and our players, the Premier League and the game in Europe were all very impressive.

"He shares our vision to move forward, to build on the platform created by Arsene Wenger and help this club enjoy greater success. He's a proven winner."